Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday unveiled six welfare schemes and distributed financial assistance to the beneficiaries at a function held at Luhanu Maidan, Bilaspur to mark two years of his government. Thousands of people attended the event, which was also a show of unity as all 11 cabinet ministers and state Congress chief Pratibha Singh were present.
Among the recently launched schemes were:
E-taxi under Rajiv Gandhi Start-up Swarojgar Yojana: The Chief Minister handed over the keys to 16 beneficiaries who will get 50% subsidy for the purchase of e-taxi rented to government offices for five years to ensure stable income. In the first phase, around 150 permits will be issued.
Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana: Financial assistance of Rs. 23 thousand children of widows, destitute women and others Rs. 1,000 monthly assistance and higher education assistance under this Rs 53.21 crore initiative.
Himachal Pradesh Shiv Project: The Rs 1,292-crore horticulture project will be run on 6,000 hectares in seven districts and aims to benefit more than 15,000 farmer families by promoting the cultivation of fruits like oranges and guavas.
Him Bhog Atta and Natural Farming Support: Maize produced by natural farming method is purchased for Rs. 1.20 crore was transferred directly to the farmers. The state will provide 36,000 new farmers with its Rs. 680 crore Rajiv Gandhi Natural Farming Start-up Scheme.
Cow dung procurement scheme: Organic and Vermi Compost State Rs. 300 per quintal, increases the farmer’s income. Payments Rs. 1 lakh rupees have been distributed to 100 farmers.
Mobile AYUSH Healthcare Units: Five mobile units were flagged off to provide traditional remedies tailored to local needs in remote tribal areas like Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti and Chamba.
The Chief Minister has also announced a financial assistance of 1 million. 1.90 crore to 197 beneficiaries including housing subsidy, marriage and education assistance and vocational training under the Chief Minister Sukh-Ashray Yojana.
During his speech, Sakhu attacked the BJP for its alleged attempt to topple his government, claiming that Himachal Pradesh would become the most prosperous state by 2032. State Congress chief Pratibha Singh also criticized the BJP for its failed “Operation Lotus”.
The program showcased a united Congress leadership with party state in-charge Rajeev Shukla as the chief guest.